Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement with Vocal Group [SATTT]

Description: Swing - Medium

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Jolly Old St. Nicholas gets a swinging reworking courtesy of arranger Dave Wolpe. Written for the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the chart tips along at an even pace and works as an excellent feature for vocalists and instrumentalists alike.

The first couple of verses focus the spotlight on the vocal quintet, who largely function as a group but engage in a couple brief solo moments too. The ensemble backgrounds are supportive and engaging, playing both underneath the singers and in response to them. The vocalists drop out for a bit at measure 41, where a chorus of tenor sax is followed up by a chorus of trumpet.

A typical Miller-style ascending ensemble figure sets up the return of the vocal group at measure 75. The melody stays with the singers for the rest of the arrangement, with the band continuing to egg them on. One last key change occurs at measure 91, where the band can start to dig in a bit harder. The performance closes out with a short tag and a simple but effective riff from the plunger muted brass.

This publication was prepared using the original set of parts from the In the Nutcracker Mood album - this is not a transcription.

Full Score
Vocal Group [SATTT]
2 Alto Saxophones (Alto Saxophone 1 Doubles Clarinet)
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone (Doubles Alto Saxophone)
4 Trumpets
4 Trombones
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Drum Set

Vocal Key: G to Ab to A
Trumpet 1: D6
Trombone 1: Ab4